DesignThe Albatross Projects shielding is designed to cover electromagnetic purposes in the frequency range from several kHz up to 40GHz, thus this technology provides a large bandwidth to suit various testing purposes or emanation precautions. Depending upon requirements, the shielding surface can be built either in modular prefabricated panels or in the classical welded steel sheet panels. For special purposes, e.g. architectural shielding other materials and techniques are available on request.

ComponentsThe shielding structure consists of several shielding components such as panels, honeycombs, doors, filters, access panels and a large range of shielding penetration elements for all kind of media interface. All these components were developed with a focus on unfailing electromagnetic shielding performance, always keeping in mind it is the weakest component that sets the limit of the shielding effectiveness.

The shielding modules have standardised dimensions, designed for frequencies from 10kHz up to 40GHz and enable enclosures to any size to be constructed. The modules can be optionally equipped with shielding parts such as honeycomb inserts, feed-through etc. Special modules can be designed to enable an enclosure to meet the particular structural conditions of the host building.

Erecting an Automotive chamber with bolted modules.

Features

The modules are produced from 2mm thick hot galvanised sheet steel bent up to form a pan tray. The thick zinc galvanisation on both sides gives a very high protection against the environmental influences of temperature or humidity

corrosive protection Zinc layer of min. 275g/m2

average coating thickness at least 20μm on every side

the standard module heights are 2,550mm and 3,000mm however, custom heights are also available. The RF flange depth is 50mm with fixing holes at 75mm spacing. For large enclosures, the facility can be supported by the host building structure or, if necessary, by a free standing steel supporting construction. The RF seal between the models is created by the insertion of a special contact mesh. This is compressed when the flanged M10 fixings are tightened thus forming a 100% homogeneous seal

CAD/CAM manufacturing of shielding panels

The shielding panels are manufactured through CAD/CAM processing. This results in perfect shape and size of the panels, which is mandatory for superior shielding performance and outlook. The high automation degree ensures a stable quality throughout.

The shielded rooms can be built in Modular Welded Shielding Technology (MWST). The basic material is 2mm galvanized steel. The MWST panels are pre manufactured with a basic size of 1,220mm x 3,050mm. These dimensions are a multiple of the absorber unit size which can therefore be glued directly into the panels.MWST is best suit for shielding applications in rough environmental conditions, climatic condensation and aggressive chemicals. However, the disadvantages are the longer installation time, the fire risk during welding, as well as the immovability of the room.

InstallationThe MWST panels are TIG welded on site by a double flanged seam with 40mm height. The welding is supported by TIG welding robots. Only the panel corners are welded manually.

The steel structure supports the shielding of large chambers making them free standing and independent from the host building. The steel structure carries all the distributed loads from the chamber’s ceiling and walls and is designed to take the additional point loads resulting from such items as an EH-Generator or Ceiling Antenna Rail Systems.

Consequently the Support Structure weight is a major criterion during the calculation and planning of the facility. Typical support structure examples are shown below.